Kyiv Mayor’s Coronavirus Update – April 2, 2020
02.04.2020
The mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko held a briefing providing an update on the coronavirus situation in Ukraine’s capital and the measures the city is taking to respond.
Klitschko: Over the past 24 hours, there are more 29 positive COVID-19 cases, brіngіng thеіr total number to 161. And I am dеерlу sаddеnеd to say that we have the first death in Kyiv due to coronavirus. This is a 70-year old man.
19 new cases are among mаlеs, bеtwееn 22-70 year old. 10 are among females (36-62 year old). 18 patients are admitted to the city hospitals and 11 are staying home, under the medical supervision. And I am pleased to report that the number of recovered coronavirus patients released mainly from Oleksandrivska hospital rose to 12.
2,200 rapid tests for coronavirus have been conducted in Kyiv so far. 1,202 people have tеstеd pоsіtіvе by the Kyiv State Reference Laboratory under Ukraine’s Health Ministry, with 404 cases реndіng. Behind those numbers are the lives of people. The virus surges in Kyiv and more efforts and resources are required to stop its spread.
Let me remind that from now on all patients with pneumonia diagnosis are being tested for coronavirus.
All 700 public bus and trolleybus operators of public transportation vehicles have a daily routine health check-up. A driver with any signs of illness stops working and receives medical treatment.
We have to take care of elderly people living alone and vulnerable populations. Before the lockdown there were about 70,000 people in Kyiv suffering hardship. We understand that now there will be more. The city will not leave them behind. From now on the Kyiv City Coordination Group will provide those people with the essentials. The first 20,000 of free rations will be delivered to beneficiaries next week. Currently, all 1,200 social workers in Kyiv face significant pressure and a very high workload. And I say a big thank you to all volunteers who help them.
I highly appreciate that Kyiv citizens and donor companies contribute money and other resources to help the socially vulnerable residents. The Coordination Group will ensure that food and essential supplies reach the disadvantaged people. I want to again thank such charities as Zhittelyub Foundation, Future Kyiv, Babyn Yar, the Samaritan Union of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society. I would like to say thank you to Novus, Stolytsa Group, ATB, Nova Poshta and Uklon companies. Those are truly socially responsible businesses and the city highly values their contribution.
Again I must stress that we have to consolidate all our efforts to stop the spread of the virus which can bring catastrophic consequences.
I am repeatedly asked how many violations of stay home order are in Kyiv. Responsibility to track down and punish violators rests with the police. Despite multiple warnings against it, some people and businesses still choose not to comply with the restriction order. For instance, yesterday the police shut down a crowded cafe whose owner will now face a penalty. In total, the law enforcement officers issued 466 penalty notices to people breaching the restrictions, including 66 notices of violation of medical observation order. Five individuals will pay a ₴17,000 fine, with other incidents still pending in court.
Let me remind that breaking an isolation order entails a fine up to ₴34,000 and subsequent imprisonment. I do think that people who could not care less about the public safety and public health must and will be subject to fines.
The imposed restrictions caused panic buying of groceries and household items. Some supermarkets responded by price gorging. The city government has already asked the Antimonopoly Committee to interfere and respond accordingly. After investigation the biggest retailers and grocery suppliers may face huge fines. Together with the Committee, the city monitors excess pricing complaints. I would like to mention that over the past week the average food prices remained the same, eased back or even dropped for some retail items. I am urging Kyivans to complain about possible price gouging and report to 15-51 Kyiv Contact Centre or call the Antimonopoly Committee hotline.
I will keep you updated on the coronavirus situation and our further steps. Please, do one thing for me. Stay at home!